He was comfortable(The subject felt physically at ease. [hi wɑz ˈkəmfərtəbəl]) but suffering(Despite being comfortable, the subject was also experiencing some form of distress or hardship. [bət ˈsəfərɪŋ]), although he did not admit the suffering at all(The subject did not acknowledge or confess to experiencing any suffering. 'At all' emphasizes the complete denial. [ˌɔlˈðoʊ hi dɪd nɑt ədˈmɪt ðə ˈsəfərɪŋ æt ɔl]).
''I am not religious(The speaker states that they do not adhere to a particular religion or religious practices. The quotation marks indicate direct speech. [aɪ æm nɑt rɪˈlɪʤəs]),'' he said(Attribution of the preceding words to a male speaker. [hi sɛd]). ''But I will say ten Our Fathers and ten Hail Marys(The speaker promises to recite ten 'Our Father' prayers and ten 'Hail Mary' prayers, which are common prayers in the Catholic tradition. [bət aɪ wɪl seɪ tɛn ɑr ˈfɑðərz ənd tɛn heɪl marys]) that I should catch this fish(The prayers are offered with the hope or intention of catching the fish. [ðət aɪ ʃʊd kæʧ ðɪs fɪʃ]), and I promise to make a pilgrimage(The speaker vows to undertake a religious journey or visit to a sacred place. [ənd aɪ ˈprɑməs tɪ meɪk ə ˈpɪlgrəmɪʤ]) to the Virgin of Cobre(The destination of the pilgrimage is the Virgin of Cobre, a significant religious figure in Cuban Catholicism. [tɪ ðə ˈvərʤɪn əv ˈkɑbrə]) if I catch him(The pilgrimage is conditional upon catching the fish. [ɪf aɪ kæʧ ɪm]). That is a promise(The speaker emphasizes the sincerity and commitment to fulfilling the vow. The quotation marks indicate direct speech. [ðət ɪz ə ˈprɑməs]).''
He commenced to say his prayers mechanically(He began to recite his prayers in a routine and unthinking manner. 'Commenced' means began, and 'mechanically' suggests a lack of feeling or focus. [hi kəˈmɛnst tɪ seɪ hɪz prɛrz məˈkænɪkli]). Sometimes he would be so tired(Occasionally, his fatigue would be so overwhelming. [ˈsəmˌtaɪmz hi wʊd bi soʊ taɪərd]) that he could not remember the prayer(His tiredness would impair his memory, making it difficult to recall the words of the prayer. [ðət hi kʊd nɑt rɪˈmɛmbər ðə prɛr]) and then he would say them fast(As a result, he would recite the prayers quickly. [ənd ðɛn hi wʊd seɪ ðɛm fæst]) so that they would come automatically(The rapid recitation was intended to allow the prayers to be said without conscious effort, relying on memorization. [soʊ ðət ðeɪ wʊd kəm ˌɔtəˈmætɪkli]). Hail Marys are easier to say than Our Fathers(The speaker finds the 'Hail Mary' prayer simpler to recite compared to the 'Our Father' prayer. [heɪl marys ər ˈiziər tɪ seɪ ðən ɑr ˈfɑðərz]), he thought(This indicates the speaker's internal thought or reflection. [hi θɔt]).
''Hail Mary(A traditional Catholic prayer asking for the intercession of the Virgin Mary [heɪl ˈmɛri]) full of Grace(filled with divine grace or favor [fʊl əv greɪs]) the Lord is with thee(God is present with you [ðə lɔrd ɪz wɪθ ði]). Blessed(highly favored or holy [blɛst]) art thou(archaic form of 'are you' [ɑrt ðaʊ]) among women(in comparison to all women [əˈməŋ ˈwɪmən]) and blessed(and highly favored or holy [ənd blɛst]) is the fruit(refers to the offspring or child [ɪz ðə frut]) of thy womb(of your body; referring to Jesus [əv ðaɪ wum]), Jesus(the name of the son of God in Christian theology [ˈʤizəs]). Holy Mary(Saint Mary; the mother of Jesus [ˈhoʊli ˈmɛri]), Mother of God(a title given to Mary in Christianity [ˈməðər əv gɑd]), pray for us(ask God for help on our behalf [preɪ fər ˈjuˈɛs]) sinners(people who have committed sins [ˈsɪnərz]) now(at the present time [naʊ]) and at the hour(and at the specific time [ənd æt ðə aʊər]) of our death(when we die [əv ɑr dɛθ]). Amen(so be it; a declaration of affirmation [ɑˈmɛn]).'' Then(following that [ðɛn]) he added(he said something more [hi ˈædɪd]), ''Blessed Virgin(another title for the Virgin Mary, meaning 'holy virgin' [blɛst ˈvərʤɪn]), pray for the death(ask for the end of life [preɪ fər ðə dɛθ]) of this fish(referring to the fish the speaker is addressing [əv ðɪs fɪʃ]). Wonderful(inspiring delight, pleasure, or admiration; extremely good or attractive [ˈwəndərfəl]) though he is(even though the fish is wonderful [ðoʊ hi ɪz]).''
With his prayers said(After he finished praying [wɪθ hɪz prɛrz sɛd]), and feeling much better(experiencing a significant improvement in his emotional or physical state [ənd ˈfilɪŋ məʧ ˈbɛtər]), but suffering(however, still experiencing pain or distress [bət ˈsəfərɪŋ]) exactly as much(precisely the same amount [ɪgˈzæktli ɛz məʧ]), and perhaps(and possibly [ənd pərˈhæps]) a little more(slightly more than before [ə ˈlɪtəl mɔr]), he leaned(he rested his weight [hi lind]) against the wood(on the wooden part [əˈgɛnst ðə wʊd]) of the bow(the front part of the boat [əv ðə boʊ]) and began(and started [ənd bɪˈgæn]), mechanically(without conscious thought; automatically [məˈkænɪkli]), to work(to move or manipulate [tɪ wərk]) the fingers(the digits of his hand [ðə ˈfɪŋgərz]) of his left hand(specifically, the fingers on his left hand [əv hɪz lɛft hænd]).
The sun(referring to the star that provides light and warmth to the Earth [ðə sən]) was hot(indicating a high temperature [wɑz hɑt]) now(at the present time [naʊ]) although(conjunction introducing a contrasting statement [ˌɔlˈðoʊ]) the breeze(a gentle wind [ðə briz]) was rising(increasing in strength or intensity [wɑz ˈraɪzɪŋ]) gently(in a mild and gradual manner [ˈʤɛntli]).
''I(The speaker referring to himself [aɪ]) had better(expression indicating advice or a suggestion, meaning 'should' [hæd ˈbɛtər]) re-bait(to put bait on a hook again [re-bait]) that little line(referring to a fishing line, described as 'little' possibly due to its size or purpose [ðət ˈlɪtəl laɪn]) out over the stern(extending outwards from the rear of the boat [aʊt ˈoʊvər ðə stərn]),'' he said(dialogue tag indicating who is speaking [ hi sɛd]). ''If(conditional conjunction [ɪf]) the fish(referring to the fish the speaker is trying to catch [ðə fɪʃ]) decides to stay(chooses to remain [ˌdɪˈsaɪdz tɪ steɪ]) another night(for one more night [əˈnəðər naɪt]) I will need(expressing future necessity [aɪ wɪl nid]) to eat again(to consume food once more [tɪ it əˈgɛn]) and(conjunction connecting two related statements [ənd]) the water(referring to drinking water [ðə ˈwɔtər]) is low(in short supply [ɪz loʊ]) in the bottle(contained within the bottle [ɪn ðə ˈbɑtəl]). I don't think(expressing a lack of belief or expectation [aɪ doʊnt θɪŋk]) I can get(able to obtain [aɪ kən gɪt]) anything but(nothing except [ˈɛniˌθɪŋ bət]) a dolphin(referring to the marine mammal [ə ˈdɑlfən]) here(in this location [hir]). But(conjunction introducing a contrasting statement [bət]) if I eat him(conditional statement about consuming the dolphin [ɪf aɪ it ɪm]) fresh enough(sufficiently fresh [frɛʃ ɪˈnəf]) he won't be bad(it will be palatable [hi woʊnt bi bæd]). I wish(expressing a desire [aɪ wɪʃ]) a flying fish(referring to a fish capable of leaping out of the water and gliding [ə flaɪɪŋ fɪʃ]) would come on board(would arrive onto the boat [wʊd kəm ɔn bɔrd]) tonight(this evening [təˈnaɪt]). But(conjunction introducing a contrasting statement [bət]) I have no light(lacking a source of illumination [aɪ hæv noʊ laɪt]) to attract them(to lure the flying fish [tɪ əˈtrækt ðɛm]). A flying fish(referring to a fish capable of leaping out of the water and gliding [ə flaɪɪŋ fɪʃ]) is excellent(of very high quality [ɪz ˈɛksələnt]) to eat raw(suitable for consumption without cooking [tɪ it rɑ]) and(conjunction connecting two related statements [ənd]) I would not have(expressing a conditional lack of necessity [aɪ wʊd nɑt hæv]) to cut him up(to prepare the fish by cutting it into pieces [tɪ kət ɪm əp]). I must save(expressing necessity to conserve [aɪ məst seɪv]) all my strength(the entirety of one's physical power [ɔl maɪ strɛŋθ]) now(at the present time [naʊ]). Christ(exclamation of surprise or frustration [kraɪst]), I did not know(expressing a lack of prior knowledge [aɪ dɪd nɑt noʊ]) he was so big(referring to the fish, expressing surprise at its size [hi wɑz soʊ bɪg]).''
''I'll(Contraction of 'I will', indicating a future action by the speaker [aɪl]) kill(To end the life of someone or something [kɪl]) him(Referring to a male person previously mentioned or understood [ɪm]) though(Despite something; however. The comma indicates a pause or separation from the previous statement [ðoʊ]),'' he(Referring to a male person previously mentioned [hi]) said(Past tense of 'say', indicating that the words were spoken [sɛd]). ''In(Expressing inclusion or position within certain limits [ɪn]) all(The whole quantity or extent of something [ɔl]) his(Belonging to or associated with the male person previously mentioned [hɪz]) greatness(The quality of being great; eminence [ˈgreɪtnəs]) and(Used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) his(Belonging to or associated with the male person previously mentioned [hɪz]) glory(High renown or honor won by notable achievements; magnificence [ˈglɔri]).''
Although(Despite the fact that; even though [ˌɔlˈðoʊ]) it(Referring to a situation or concept previously mentioned [ɪt]) is(Present tense of the verb 'to be', linking the subject to a description [ɪz]) unjust(Not based on or behaving according to what is morally right and fair. The comma indicates a pause or separation from the following statement [ənˈʤəst]), he(Referring to a male person previously mentioned [hi]) thought(Past tense of 'think', indicating a thought process [θɔt]). But(Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something previously said [bət]) I(The speaker or writer referring to themselves [aɪ]) will(Expressing a future intention or plan [wɪl]) show(To allow or cause to be visible [ʃoʊ]) him(Referring to a male person previously mentioned [ɪm]) what(Asking for specification of something [wət]) a(Indefinite article, referring to one of something [ə]) man(An adult male human being [mæn]) can(Expressing possibility or ability [kən]) do(To perform an action [du]) and(Used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) what(Asking for specification of something [wət]) a(Indefinite article, referring to one of something [ə]) man(An adult male human being [mæn]) endures(To suffer (something painful or difficult) patiently [ɪnˈdʊrz]).
''I(The speaker or writer referring to themselves [aɪ]) told(Past tense of 'tell', to communicate information to someone [toʊld]) the(Definite article, referring to a specific boy [ðə]) boy(A young male person [bɔɪ]) I(The speaker or writer referring to themselves [aɪ]) was(Past tense of the verb 'to be' [wɑz]) a(Indefinite article, referring to one of something [ə]) strange(Unusual or surprising; difficult to understand or explain [streɪnʤ]) old(Having lived for a long time; elderly [oʊld]) man(An adult male human being. The comma indicates a pause or separation from the following statement [mæn]),'' he(Referring to a male person previously mentioned [hi]) said(Past tense of 'say', indicating that the words were spoken [sɛd]).
''Now(At the present time or moment [naʊ]) is(Present tense of the verb 'to be' [ɪz]) when(At what time; at or during the time that [wɪn]) I(The speaker or writer referring to themselves [aɪ]) must(Expressing necessity or obligation [məst]) prove(Demonstrate the truth or existence of (something) by evidence or argument [pruv]) it(Referring to something previously mentioned or understood [ɪt]).''
The(Definite article, referring to a specific instance [ðə]) thousand(The number 1,000 [ˈθaʊzənd]) times(Instances of something happening [taɪmz]) that(Referring to a specific time [ðət]) he(Referring to a male person previously mentioned [hi]) had(Past perfect auxiliary verb [hæd]) proved(Past participle of 'prove', to demonstrate the truth of something [pruvd]) it(Referring to something previously mentioned [ɪt]) meant(Past tense of 'mean', to signify or indicate [mɛnt]) nothing(Not at all; to no extent [ˈnəθɪŋ]). Now(At the present time or moment [naʊ]) he(Referring to a male person previously mentioned [hi]) was(Past tense of the verb 'to be' [wɑz]) proving(Present participle of 'prove', to demonstrate the truth of something [ˈpruvɪŋ]) it(Referring to something previously mentioned [ɪt]) again(Once more [əˈgɛn]). Each(Every one of two or more people or things, regarded and identified separately [iʧ]) time(An instance of something happening [taɪm]) was(Past tense of the verb 'to be' [wɑz]) a(Indefinite article, referring to one of something [ə]) new(Recently made, invented, or developed [nu]) time(An instance of something happening [taɪm]) and(Used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]) he(Referring to a male person previously mentioned [hi]) never(At no time in the past or future [ˈnɛvər]) thought(Past tense of 'think', to have a particular belief or idea [θɔt]) about(Concerning or regarding [əˈbaʊt]) the(Definite article, referring to a specific past [ðə]) past(The time before the present [pæst]) when(At or during the time that [wɪn]) he(Referring to a male person previously mentioned [hi]) was(Past tense of the verb 'to be' [wɑz]) doing(Present participle of 'do', to perform an action [duɪŋ]) it(Referring to something previously mentioned [ɪt]).